This week’s Reflections was written by Robby and Donna Flint, pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Brookings

Have you ever felt like life is moving too fast, and you’re constantly in a rush? One of my favorite songs is by the music group Alabama.

Depending on how you think about it, either a long time ago or a few years back, they had a No. 1 song that you too may remember “I’m in a hurry to get things done, oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun.” Even if you don’t know the song, I’m pretty sure that you probably know that feeling.

Jesus, too, knew the hustle and bustle of a busy life; he might have been able to relate to Alabama’s song on the day that he encountered Blind Bartimaeus. One account of this encounter can be found in the book of Mark, chapter 10. As Jesus traveled, he was constantly surrounded by people, often teaching crowds along the way. And on that day, as Jesus was passing through the gates of Jericho surrounded by his followers, a blind man called to him from the city gates: “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me” and Jesus stopped.

Did you notice those last two words? This particular account from Jesus’ life is told in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and they all tell us “Jesus stopped.” The scriptures don’t say Jesus dismissed Bartimaeus with a glance at his agenda, saying “Sorry, I’m in a hurry to get things done.” Jesus didn’t brush aside the plea with an “I’m busy, wait your turn.” Instead, Jesus stopped. He didn’t merely pause; he stopped.

Jesus didn’t stop doing things, but he stopped what he was doing. He momentarily set aside his agenda to do one important thing. Though those around Bartimaeus urged him to silence, cautioning against disturbing Jesus, Jesus stopped and told them to bring the man forward. Imagine how Bartimaeus must have felt. Jesus, this most important man, Jesus the teacher, the miracle worker, the healer, this same Jesus stopped — to ask a poor, blind man what he wanted.

Bartimeus must have felt, in that moment, as if he were the most important person in the world to Jesus. Other stories of Jesus’ interaction with people depict Jesus in the same way. Whoever it was that Jesus was talking to: a blind man, a tax collector, a fisherman, a leper, a disciple, a woman at a well, or a thief on a cross — whoever it was, that person was the most important person to Jesus, in that moment.

From this story, we glean two profound truths. First, regardless of how insignificant you may feel in the grand narrative of the world you are worthy of Jesus stopping for you. No matter who you are, you are the most important person in the world to Jesus.

Second, to be like Jesus, we too need to be open to those moments when God provides an opportunity for an encounter. Next time you’re caught up in the rush of life, remember Jesus’ example. Take a moment to stop and truly be present for someone in need. Because maybe, just maybe, the treasures we take from this life depend on connecting with people and giving them all the attention they deserve.